Which U.S. States Have the Most Fatal Occupational Injuries Per Capita?

Workplace safety is something most people take for granted, but occupational injuries can occur in even the simplest jobs. While there’s no denying some jobs are more dangerous, certain states report much higher per capita workplace injuries than others, even within the same industry. Each year, thousands of U.S. workers lose their lives on the job. Although various government organizations are working to protect employees nationwide, there is no single solution to this problem. Factors such as the dominant industries in a state’s economy, geographical challenges, and the enforcement strictness of safety laws all contribute to varying rates of occupational fatalities. In this report from Team Law, we’ll examine workplace fatalities by state and explore why some states are more dangerous than others.

Understanding Which States Have the Most Workplace Deaths

States are compared using a per capita rate, which shows how many fatalities happen per 100,000 workers. This method helps determine why a state with a large number of fatal workplace injuries, such as California, will rank lower than one with fewer injuries, like Wyoming. Due to Wyoming’s smaller population relative to their high number of occupational fatalities, it ranks number one, with a fatality rate of 12.7.

Why Are Some States More Dangerous Than Others?

1. Industry

States with high-risk industries, like oil drilling, logging, mining, and construction, often see more fatalities. For example, North Dakota has a booming oil industry, accounting for more than 26% of all jobs in the state. North Dakota ranks second for most fatal occupational injuries by state, with a per capita fatality rate of 63.7 for the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction category.

2. Geographical Challenges

A minor incident might become fatal in remote areas or areas with harsh weather conditions. States such as North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Alaska are highly rural areas with rugged terrain, high snowfall, and frequent blizzards. These obstacles can impede emergency services from reaching injured workers or delay hospital treatment. Additionally, many of these states have a workforce that spends much of their time at isolated job sites, such as oil and gas extraction and transportation. One report found that workers alone or in remote locations during a cardiac event encounter increased challenges in accessing care and are, therefore, more likely to die.

3. State Legislation

Not all states enforce safety rules the same way. Some have stricter regulations and frequent inspections, while others have fewer resources or looser enforcement. For example, since 2016, workplace fatalities have been increasing in Mississippi. In 2016, the state’s OSHA budget declined, resulting in too few inspectors for the number of workplaces.

Key Findings Regarding the Most Dangerous Jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released a summary of their key findings about workplace fatalities for the year 2022, detailing trends regarding demographics, industries, and causes of death:

Transportation

Unsurprisingly, transportation incidents are the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries, making it the most dangerous job in America. Whether it’s truck drivers, delivery workers, or pilots, land and air vehicles continue to be a high-risk industry for workers.

Construction

Construction sites pose numerous hazards, including falls from roofs, being struck by heavy equipment, and electrical accidents. This industry is consistently recognized as one of the most dangerous occupations in terms of fatalities.

Violence

Though much less common than accidents, workplace violence has become a growing concern and accounts for an alarming number of injuries. Violence includes harm caused by both humans and animals and encompasses firearm homicides, as well as stabbing, cutting, slashing, etc. According to OSHA, healthcare and retail workers are particularly vulnerable when dealing with aggressive patients or customers.

Demographics

The BLS found that, as usual, workers aged 55-64 had the highest workplace fatalities, with an increase from the previous year. Black and Latino populations saw a rise in injuries from the prior year, particularly from incidents related to transportation and violence for the Black community and falls, slips, or trips in the Latino community.

What Can Be Done?

Improving workplace safety requires action from all levels, starting with leadership. Companies where leaders promote a safety culture often see fewer accidents, as workers are more likely to follow proper procedures. Investing in injury and illness prevention programs can play a huge role in reducing injuries. Stronger regulations, regular inspections, and consistent enforcement will incentivize businesses to prioritize safety over shortcuts. Finally, ongoing safety training tailored to each industry helps workers stay alert to hazards and equips them to handle new challenges as they arise. With these efforts combined, workplaces can become significantly safer for everyone.

Fatal occupational injuries remain a pressing concern in several states, particularly those with high-risk industries and challenging environments. With effective legislation, better training, and strong, safety-centered leadership, the number of workers receiving fatal injuries can decrease over time.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a work injury or workplace accident that resulted in an injury or fatality in the state of New Jersey, Team Law is here to advocate for you. Our lawyers understand how overwhelming these situations can be and are committed to fighting for justice and workers’ compensation. For more information, check out our resource on frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation in New Jersey. For a consultation, contact us today and find out what kind of support we can offer.

Fatal Injuries Ranked by States